How do Mr. Freeman and Ivy react to Melinda's art project created from turkey bones?

In Laurie Halse Anderson's novel Speak, art class is one of the few places Melinda feels comfortable. It is even a place where she can begin to express herself through her art. It shouldn't be surprising, then, that after a depressing and disappointing attempt at Thanksgiving dinner with her family, she decides to "make a memorial for [the family's] turkey," declaring, "Never has a bird been so tortured to provide such a lousy dinner" (pg 61). 

Mr. Freeman, always energetic and supportive, is immediately on board with the project when Melinda brings the bones into class. At the same time, he pushes her to put real thought and effort into the project. When she wants to pile the bones like firewood "(get it?—tree—firewood)" (pg 62), Mr. Freeman pushes her to go further. Eventually, Melinda has the bones glued together like a museum exhibit, with knives and forks positioned like they are attacking it, and a Lego palm tree and Barbie head positioned in the middle of the turkey carcass. 

As Melinda puts it, "Mr. Freeman comes over to inspect. He almost faints with delight" (pg 63). When Melinda can't explain the artwork, Mr. Freeman steps in to help interpret it too: 

"I see a girl caught in the remains of a holiday gone bad, with her flesh picked off day after day as the carcass dries out. The knife and fork are obviously middle-class sensibilities. The palm tree is a nice touch. A broken dream, perhaps? Plastic honeymoon, deserted island?" (pg 64).

This explanation further inspires Melinda. She rearranges the piece so that the Barbie head has a body with the forks and knives, and a piece of tape over her mouth. At this point, readers can more clearly identify that Melinda sees herself as the Barbie. She is the one with tape over her mouth, unable to speak, being supported by a dismal turkey carcass that represents the "holiday gone bad" and a family that can't see her pain to help her. 

Ivy and Mr. Freeman immediately see the somber mood of Melinda's new creation. Ivy says, "It's scary [...] In a weird way. Not clown scary, um, how do I say this? Like you don't want to look at it too long. Good job, Mel" (pg 64). 
Mr. Freeman agrees, saying, "This has meaning. Pain" (pg 65).

Melinda is uncomfortable with their reactions, thinking her work may be bad. Ivy and Mr. Freeman aren't saying that, though. They're impressed with what she's done but they're also troubled by it. They see in it her pain and isolation, especially Mr. Freeman, the more experienced adult. They both care about her and want to to help her, but Melinda isn't ready yet to be more open about her trauma and accept people's help. This is evident at the end of this section: "The bell rings. I leave before he can say more" (pg. 65).